The western part of the West Siberian petroleum megabasin: geologic history and structure of the basement

On the basis of complex research into the western part of the West Siberian Plate, a new scheme of the structure-formation zones of its basement has been developed and a new geological map of its pre-Jurassic basement has been compiled. Ophiolites and other mafic-ultramafic complexes (fragments of the oceanic Earth's crust) were studied. The most complete Late Ordovician ophiolite complex comprising a melange of serpentinites, gabbroids, plagiogranites, and basalt with jasper interbeds lies in the Shaim area. Weakly altered spinel lherzolites were also examined there. The research has revealed not only Ordovician but also Devonian basalts as well as gabbroid complexes (392 Ma, Sm-Nd dating). The Paleozoic geodynamic history of the region was terminated with collision, which was accompanied by tectonic piling and the intrusion of granite plutons, metamorphism, and formation of new continental crust. These crucial events, which consolidated Paleozoic complexes throughout the vast area of the future West Siberian megabasin, date from the Early Permian. The composition, age, and nature of granitoid plutons in western West Siberia were studied, and isochrons and isotope characteristics were obtained, which give an insight into both the genesis and age of granite plutons and their subsequent transformations.     

Nature and age of metamorphic rocks from the basement of the West Siberian megabasin (according to U-Pb isotopic dates)

The SHRIMP-II zircon U-Pb dates for metamorphic rocks from the West Siberian basement are determined for the first time. It is established that the major protolith of the metamorphic strata from the Shaimsk-Kuznetsovsk meganticlinorium is composed of sedimentary Late- and Middle-Devonian rocks (395–398 Ma). It is likely that the greywackes, whose strata were mainly formed under erosion of ophiolitic rocks, served as a substrate for the metamorphic rocks. The metamorphic transformations of the rocks occurred under conditions of greenschist and occasionally lower amphibolite facies of metamorphism during the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian period.     

Carboniferous deposits in the basement of the southwestern West Siberian geosyneclise (Kurgan Region)

The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of volcanics from the sections of core boreholes in the northern Tyumen’-Kostanai trough (Kurgan Region) has been determined. The geologic structure of the northern part of the trough has been refined. The paleogeographic environments and geodynamic settings of formation of Carboniferous deposits have been established by sedimentological, petrological, and geochemical studies of the sections. In the Visean, marine environments with maximum basin depths were predominant. In the Kachar epoch (C1v3-s), the submarine relief of the basin became more complicated; blocks of older rocks appeared in the deposits. The geochemical indicator characteristics of the volcanics—contents of HFSE (Ti, Nb, Ta, Th, and Hf)—are close to those of andesitoids of island arcs and Andean-type active continental margins, as well as present-day andesites from the Kurile-Kamchatka zone. They are an order of magnitude lower than those in similar continental-rift volcanics, among which are volcanics of the Valer’yanovka zone (according to some researchers). The contents of Ni, Co, and V are similar to those in island-arc andesites, including rocks of the Kurile-Kamchatka zone. The Ba/Ta and Ba/La ratios and the proportions of Th, Hf, and Ta in andesitoids of the Valer’yanovka and Kachar Groups are close to the indicator characteristics of island-arc and active-continental-margin volcanics. The Kachar Group siliceous rocks are similar in the Rb/Zr-Nb, Fe-Nb, and Rb-(Y + Nb) correlations to rocks of mature island arcs and active continental margins. The incompatible-element and REE patterns for the Valer’yanovka and Kachar volcanics are typical of island-arc volcanics, including rocks from the Kurile-Kamchatka zone. The indicator geochemical features and petrology of the volcanics and the sedimentologic features of the deposits testify to their formation on an Andean-type active continental margin (western margin of the Kazakhstan paleocontinent) in the Early-Middle Carboniferous.     

Palynostratigraphy of the Lower-Middle Jurassic deposits,borehole section Vostok 4 (Southeast of West Siberia)

This work presents the results of palynological investigation of the Vostok 4 borehole section situated in the Azharma region of the Ob-Irtysh facies area, where drilling has penetrated through the Urmanskaya, Ilansk, Peshkovskaya, and Tyumen formations. Six palynoassemblages are distinguished in the section based on the analyzed distribution of spores, pollen of terrestrial plants, and microphytoplankton. According to their succession, the section is subdivided into biostratigraphic units ranked as beds with palynomorphs. Comparative analysis and correlation with the Siberian palynostratigraphic standard scale of the Lower-Middle Jurassic, where succession of palynoassemblages is coordinated with ammonite zones, substantiate the Pliensbachian-Bajocian age of the deposits studied. Diverse microphytoplankton (dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, prasinophytes, zignematacean and colonial algae) occurs throughout the section. The facies environment of sedimentation is reconstructed based on quantitative proportions of microphytoplankton taxa.     

Catagenesis of organic matter at the top and base of the Jurassic complex in the West Siberian megabasin

Thermal maturation for the top and base of the Jurassic in the West Siberian megabasin was modeled on the basis of the vitrinite reflectance (R_vt⁰) data using mathematical modeling and computer simulations. The values of thermal maturation are found to vary within substages PC₃-MC₃² for the top (or being equivalent to PC₃-MC₁² on the periphery and southern part of the basin, or to MC₂-MC₃² in the north) and PC₃-AC₃ for the base of the Jurassic (or being equivalent to PC₃-MC₂ on the periphery and southern part of the basin or MC₃¹-AC₃ in the north). Thermal maturity levels of the Jurassic in West Siberia are controlled by depths of burial and peak temperatures which the source rocks were subjected to during this period. The situation is further complicated by high heat flows superimposed on the regional background, which are observed in deep fault zones and in the proximity of numerous igneous bodies.     

A section of Vendian in the east of West Siberian Plate (based on data from the Borehole Vostok 3)

The Borehole Vostok 3 drilled in the east of the West Siberian Plate (Tomsk Region) revealed a Vendian section in the depth range 5002–3870 m, which was subdivided into the Poiga, Kotodzha, and Raiga Formations based on geological, geophysical, and paleontological data. In the Kotodzha and Raiga Formations, typical Upper Vendian fossils of Cloudina hartmanae and Namacalathus sp. were found along with diverse Platysolenites, which are commonly considered to be of zonal significance in Lower Cambrian strata. Hence, the stratigraphic interval with abundant diverse Platysolenites has a wider stratigraphic range than it was believed earlier and seems to cover the Upper Vendian and Lower Cambrian deposits. The Borehole Vostok 3 is the first Siberian occurrence of the fossils Namacalathus, the world's fourth occurrence of the Cloudina-Namacalathus association, and the first site where coexisting Platysolenites and typical Vendian organisms have been found. Therefore, the borehole provides one of the most informative (in paleontological context) Upper Vendian sections.     

Fluid inclusions in late minerals from the paleovalley-type uranium deposits of the West Siberian ore region: Thermochemical characteristics and genetic applications

Comprehensive microthermometric investigations revealed similar temperature ranges (280–120°C) for the formation of late carbonates in the Khokhlovskoe, Semizbai, and Malinovskoe deposits of the West Siberian uranium ore region. A close chemical similarity was definitely established between the solutions of fluid inclusions and thermal nitrogen-methane waters with elevated CO₂ concentrations typical of this region in general. It was noted that such CO₂-rich mineral waters (Yessentuki no. 4 type) are common in the Mesozoic sequences of the Shadrinsk region, where Transuralian uranium deposits occur, and are similar in composition and temperature to the modern CO₂-rich formation waters of the host sequences of the Khokhlovskoe deposit. The mineralogical and geochemical features of newly formed late minerals and uranium ores were considered as the most probable reflection of the exfiltration of such thermal solutions into the host levels. Two late mineral assemblages were distinguished: (1) hematite-calcite and (2) goethite-berthierine and goethite-smectite-chlorite with siderite or goethite-kaolinite-illite with siderite; they occur both in the host sequences and in the underlying basement rocks. The development of the latter assemblage causes a significant change in rock color (bleaching); it is widespread and was observed in all the deposits. It was shown that these altered rocks and uranium ores (especially high-grade) are very similar in mineral and chemical composition to the products of acid leaching and accompanying mineralization, which could be related to low-temperature argillization. It was suggested that exogenic epigenetic processes of ancient soil-bedrock oxidation contributed certainly to the development of uranium mineralization, and the modern character of the uranium ores and their host rocks is related to a large extent to the influence of hydrothermal CO₂-rich solutions related to the neotectonic activation of the region. This resulted in the development of their specific mineral and chemical compositions and corresponding technological characteristics. It seems expedient to estimate the possible contributions of exogenic and endogenic factors to the formation of the uranium mineralization rather than oppose the roles of these processes of different stages.     

Kerogen from the Cambrian deposits of the Kuonamka Formation (northeastern Siberian Platform)

Kerogens from the Lower and Middle Cambrian deposits of the Kuonamka Formation in the northeastern Siberian Platform have been analyzed by modern methods. We have determined the pyrolytic characteristics of insoluble organic matter and the contents of C, H, S, N, O, and the stable C isotope. The type and catagenesis of organic matter have been estimated, as well as the generating potential of oil source rocks. It has been found that the composition of kerogens taken from the Molodo River outcrops was affected by supergene processes and that the degree of their alteration is related to the organic content of rocks and their structure.     

Cyclostratigraphy of Pontian deposits of the Eastern Paratethys (Zheleznyi Rog section,Taman Region)

The first data on the cyclostratigraphy of Pontian deposits of the Eastern Paratethys were obtained by studying the magnetic susceptibility of Upper Miocene rocks of the Zheleznyi Rog section in the Taman Region. Based on statistical methods, using the Lomb-Scargle and REDFIT periodograms, cycles related to long-period insolation oscillations (precession of the Earth’s orbit and variations in Earth’s axial tilt) were revealed. It is proposed that a hiatus occurred (about 150000–200000 years) at the Novorossian/Portaferian boundary (Lower Pontian/Upper Pontian) due to the onset of the maximum Messinian Salinity Crisis.     

The lithology and organic geochemistry of the Vendian deposits in the cis-Yenisei subprovince (from the results of the well Vostok-3)

We have studied for the first time the organic geochemistry of the Vendian thick section stripped by the parametric well Vostok-3 in the depth range 5002–3870 m in southeastern West Siberia. The results point to the aquagene–plankton–derived and bacterial nature of the buried organic matter (OM). At some depth levels, the deposits are enriched in OM (up to 0.7–9.6%). The study of kerogens has shown that the OM is transformed to the apocatagenesis stage. The composition of biomarker hydrocarbons in bitumens has been studied, and the geochemical criteria for the petroleum presence prediction are considered.     

Concepts of the evolution of the Austroalpine basement complex (Eastern Alps) during the Caledonian-Variscan cycle

The Austroalpine basement complex has a complicated pre-Alpidic history which begins with the Caledonian era. In the late Precambrian (?) and early Paleozoic a magmatic-sedimentary rock sequence is formed presumably in an island-arc or active continental margin environment. Subduction with eclogite formation is followed by collision, high-grade metamorphism and anatexis in the Ordovician. This Caledonian basement is preserved in parts of the Austroalpine crystalline mass. The post-Caledonian deposits are mainly shelf type sediments with intercalated volcanics, although there is evidence for an oceanic basin to the south. The Variscan facies zones are arranged in SW-NE direction, oblique to the Alpidic trend. In a first stage of Variscan orogeny in the Carboniferous, south(east)-vergent decollement nappes, syntectonic flysch deposits, and granitoids are formed along with regional metamorphism. This is followed by a second stage in the Permian with north(west)-vergent thrusting, renewed granite formation, and metamorphism. The Variscan nappe pile is today exposed in a deeper level in the west or northwest than in the east or southeast.     

Catagenesis and burial metamorphism of terrigenous and volcanic sequences (section recovered by the En-Yakhinskaya parametric borehole SG-7)

Secondary alterations of Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic terrigenous complexes recovered by borehole SG-7 were studied from the depth of 3620 m to 6920 m (roof of basalts). Down to the depth of ∼6770 m, the section shows a gradual intensification of catagenetic alterations of sandy rocks: the formation of pressure dissolution textures and regeneration of clastic quartz. Intensification of the transformation of clay minerals is not observed in this mineral. Variations in the contents of illite, hydromicas, mixed-layer minerals, smectite, chlorite, and kaolinite at different depths of the recovered section are related to changes in the provenance during the accumulation of sedimentary complexes. The Middle Triassic coarse-grained sandy rocks (suprabasalt sequence) are more intensely transformed: they are marked by microstylolitic textures of pressure dissolution, recrystallization blastesis of clastic quartz grains, and newly formed zoisite. The composition of clay minerals is also characterized by variation: micas are represented by sericite with ΔD = 0; Fe-chlorite and kaolinite are noted. These features suggest the absence of linear positive correlation of T and P with the subsidence depth of sedimentary complexes. Intense heating (up to 200–300°C) of the Middle Triassic suprabasalt rocks is likely caused by trap activity (intense effusion of basalt lavas). Investigation of secondary minerals in basalts recovered by borehole SG-7 revealed that the grade of their transformation matches the medium-temperature subfacies of the greenschist facies.     

Biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary deposits in the Arctic region of West Siberia (Implications of Foraminifers)

Benthic foraminifers from borehole sections recovered by drilling in the Yamal Peninsula, West Siberia, characterize the Ceratobulimina cretacea Beds (the upper Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) and the Spiroplectammina variabilis-Gaudryina rugosa spinulosa and Spiroplectammina kasanzevi-Bulimina rosenkrantzi regional zones of the lower and upper Maastrichtian, respectively. The Danian Stage is missing from the sections, which include marine deposits of the Selandian Stage attributed to the Ceratolamarckina tuberculata Beds. Foraminiferal assemblages of the beds include the Siberian endemic species associated with Paleocene foraminifers of the Midway-type fauna of subglobal distribution range. Occurrence of the latter suggests that warm-water surface currents from the North Atlantic reached southern areas of the Kara Sea.     

Callovian and Upper Jurassic foraminiferal and ammonite biostratigraphy of the Shaim petroleum region (West Siberia)

The results of biostratigraphic analysis of foraminiferal assemblages were used to identify a nearly complete succesion of biostratigraphic units in the Callovian-Upper Jurassic section of the Shaim region. The finds of the ammonites from different parts of the Callovian-Volgian sections helped to correlate the identified foraminiferal biostratigraphic units to the General Stratigraphic Scale. Analysis of variations in the taxonomic composition and structure of foraminiferal assemblages allowed refinement of paleontological characteristics of the foraminiferal biostratigraphic units for different facies conditions in the southwest of the West Siberian Basin.     

The U-Pb age dating of detrital zircons from Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous deposits of Stolbovoy Island (New Siberian Islands)

The results of the U-Pb (SIMS and LA-ICPMS) age dating of detrital zircons from Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sandstones of Stolbovoy Island show that these deposits contain zircons of a wide age range, from Archean to Lower Cretaceous. Precambrian gneisses and granites, as well as Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic plutonic and volcanic complexes, are considered to be the main source areas of clastic material of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous formations of Stolbovoy Island. The U-Pb age dating of detrital zircons from sandstones without making a selection on any basis yields the most complete information about source areas of clastic material in a sedimentary basin. In some cases the data on euhedral (idiomorphic) and transparent zircon crystals can be useful to clarify the lower age boundary of sedimentation.